Nationally recognized pediatrician, author, parenting expert and medical correspondent.
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03/20/2026
I had to rewatch this because this moment can feel really scary for new parents đ¤ďż˝
What youâre seeing is likely a baby gagging on saliva or spit-up, which is often related to normal infant reflux. It looks alarming, but babies actually have strong protective reflexes. Coughing and gagging are their way of clearing things on their own.
In many cases, theyâll handle it without any help. But picking your baby up, burping them, and giving gentle back taps (like in this clip) is absolutely appropriate and can help.
As for monitors, healthy, full-term babies donât typically need them. While they can be reassuring for some parents, they can also cause false alarms and added anxiety for others. It really comes down to what helps you feel calm and confident.
03/20/2026
Thank you for helping transform healthcare for all. The amazing (you always give me the best advice for career and family). Loved spending time with .tiffanyfischman and all of the fabulous physicians, global health leaders and change makers.
Style
03/19/2026
With the extreme heat across California and other parts of the western U.S., Iâve been seeing more kids come in with headaches, dizziness, and fatigue â often due to dehydration. Kids can overheat much faster than adults, especially when theyâre active and not drinking enough fluids throughout the day.
Early signs Iâm seeing include: headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, dry lips, and darker urine. Water is always the first step, but when kids are sweating a lot, have been sick, or are already showing signs of dehydration, adding electrolytes can help replace whatâs lost.
Thatâs why I often recommend Kids electrolyte packets. Theyâre made with clean, plant-based ingredients, no artificial sweeteners or colors, and follow World Health Organization hydration guidelines.
Hydrate early and often, especially during sports and outdoor play. It makes a big difference in how kids feel and function in the heat!
03/17/2026
Feeding struggles can feel overwhelmingâŚespecially when your baby is crying, refusing feeds, or just not settling đ
There are so many possible reasons behind it: colic, tongue tie, silent reflux, indigestion. Sometimes itâs not just one thing. And sometimes, your baby simply needs a little reset đ¤
Iâm so happy this little one is doing much better now, but if youâre in the thick of it, pause. Reset. Try again. And if still no luck, contact your pediatrician so they can do further testing and examination.
03/16/2026
Iâve partnered with FlowFlex to help guide families through cold and flu season with confidence.
When symptoms show up, testing early matters. With the Flowflex Plus 4-in-1 Test, you can quickly check for COVID, Flu A/B, and RSV. That means you can contact your doctor sooner, begin a care plan if needed, and reduce the risk of spreading illness to those around you.
Whether youâre traveling, visiting loved ones, or simply going about your week, keeping Flowflex Plus on hand is an essential step toward protecting your family's health and peace of mind.
03/15/2026
Celebrating female physicians everywhere. Lots of gratitude to all who helped raise money for wishes! Overall a fabulous night. .erez
03/13/2026
Leucovorin (folinic acid) is now approved for children with cerebral folate deficiency, a condition where the brain doesnât get enough folate due to blocking antibodies. This special form of folate helps reach the brain and may improve symptoms like developmental delays, speech challenges, seizures, and autism-like behaviors. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a meaningful difference for some children.
03/11/2026
You may be hearing more about human metapneumovirus (HMPV) right now so hereâs what parents should know.
HMPV is a common respiratory virus that spreads through coughs, sneezes, and close contact, just like many other cold and flu viruses. Symptoms can look very similar to COVID, flu, RSV, or a typical cold.
For many older kids and adults, it often feels like a regular cold. But it can be more serious in babies, older adults, and people with asthma or underlying conditions, sometimes causing wheezing, bronchiolitis, or even pneumonia.
One tricky part: you canât tell which virus it is just by symptoms, which is why doctors sometimes use a full respiratory panel to identify it.
Call your doctor if you notice:
Fast or difficult breathing
Wheezing
Fever lasting more than 3â4 days
Dehydration or unusual lethargy
A cough thatâs getting worse after a week
And as always, prevention matters: wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when sick to help protect your community. đŤśďż˝
03/10/2026
Moving to a big kid bed is a huge milestone and one parents ask about all the time. đď¸
A simple rule of thumb: if your toddler is tall or strong enough to climb out of the crib, itâs time to transition.
Before making the switch, make sure you have time to stay consistent for about a week. Some toddlers will stay in bed once you explain the routine, while others will test their new freedom and wander out. Consistency is key.
To help the transition go more smoothly, remember BIG BED.:
B â Build excitement: read books about big kid beds and let them help choose bedding
I â Introduce a lovey: a stuffed animal or blanket can add comfort
G â Go for it: once you start, donât switch back
B â Bedtime routine stays the same: same routine, just in the new bed
E â Encourage good sleep habits with praise, hugs, or small rewards
D â Donât forget safety: bed rails, a low mattress, toddler-proof the room, and consider a gate if needed
Video credit:
03/09/2026
Sleep isnât just about bedtime. Itâs one of the biggest drivers of lifelong health for kids!
Many bedtime struggles arenât because kids are âbad sleepers.â Theyâre often caused by routines that accidentally rev up the nervous system instead of calming it down. Bright lights, screens, and rough play can make it harder for kids to wind down.
When creating a bedtime routine, keep the the 5 Bâs in mind:
đź breast/bottle
𫧠bath
đ book
đ back rub
đĄ bye-bye lights
Making night time calm and predictable can help guide their bodies into restful sleep.
03/05/2026
Measles is not the only vaccine-preventable disease making headlines. https://cnn.it/4s3GlzS
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A working mother and UCLA-trained pediatrician who practices in Southern California, Dr. Tanya Altmann is a best-selling author, network television parenting expert, and entertainment industry consultant. Dr. Tanya is an American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson, approved by the national physician organization to communicate complicated medical issues into easily understood concepts.
As a child health expert for numerous news programs and talk shows, including Today (NBC), Fox News Channel, KTLA 5 Morning News (CW Los Angeles), and The Doctors, Dr. Tanya has discussed breaking medical news stories and controversial parenting issues.
Dr. Tanya has a broad understanding of the most recent medical developments. In addition to founding Calabasas Pediatrics, a new type of pediatric practice for todayâs modern family, she is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Mattel Childrenâs Hospital at UCLA and is the Chief Medical Advisor for the Newborn Channel. Dr. Tanyaâs recent book, What to Feed Your Baby a Veggie-Loving, No-Fuss, Healthy-Eating Kids was a best seller since itâs release. She is also the author of Mommy Calls, Dr. Tanya Answers Parentsâ Top 101 Questions About Babies and Toddlers, Editor-in-Chief of the American Academy of Pediatricsâ parenting book The Wonder Years and Associate Medical Editor of their best selling Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5.
When parenting questions arise, Dr. Tanya has the answersâshe has been quoted in hundreds of periodicals, including Newsweek, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, People, and Parents magazine. Her popular parenting events help parents through day-to-day child rearing challenges, and she responds to concerned caregivers and blogs on controversial topics for a variety of health and parenting websites including TODAY Parents and Web MD. Entering the new era of social media, Dr. Tanya is on the Editorial Advisory Board for Sharecare, a new interactive healthcare website.
Dr. Tanya has served on the board of the National Association of Medical Communicators and the executive board of the American Academy of Pediatricsâ Committee on Communications and Media. She completed her internship and residency at UCLA, received her medical degree from the Sackler School of Medicine, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Claremont McKenna College.
